You have seen them all over, for sale signs. And if you pay attention you realize how many of them are out there. But have you ever really thought what that sign means to the family? Well, when someone comes by and sticks one in your own front yard, possibility becomes reality too fast.
This is our home. We lived in a townhouse after we were married that was originally my grandmother’s, then brother’s, then father’s. We eventually bought it, fixed it up and sold it. But this is our first house. We bought this house just 2.5 years ago, months before Noah’s birth. Not only did we anticipate Noah coming home here, but we anticipated grandkids coming here. We love this house. But it is still just a house. It is the people inside that make it our home right now.
So why is it for sale? Ethan has accepted a position with MankinMedia in Nashville, TN. Our good friends Ben and Amanda Mankin own this business and decided that Ethan would be a valuable asset to their company. He will do a little bit of everything to help out this 4 man team, but will mainly be responsible for marketing. This is a big change for everyone. The Mankins, grandparents, friends and especially us. Ethan starts with MankinMedia July 1st. But he is able to work from home until the house sells and we move to Nashville.
Those who know me are probably shocked. You think that I am the type to never move away. (I moved to this area when I was 6 months old.) And you are right, I am not adventurous. I am not interested in change. I am not interested in making new friends, finding a new church, finding a new school for Alyssa, learning my way around a new city, leaving my family, or establishing myself somewhere else. But I am interested in supporting my husband. And while, yes, there is a bit of excitement in all this, it is sad for me to think of leaving all of this. But I would not choose my comfort over his dreams and success. We are doing this together, and there is no one else I want to start over with.
Julie & Ethan,
We will miss running into y’all at Chick-fil-a. May God continue to bless you in TN as he has in Mo City.
Seeing the “For Sale” sign in your very own front yard is sad day. And you’ll have to let me know if this happens to you, but I became very territorial of MY home. While I knew it needed to sell, I didn’t want random people walking through, scaling up our 3 years of hard work and love – we too loved our house. Leaving HOU was one of my saddest days, and I was only there for 4 1/2 years. But like you said, we do go with our husbands – with excitement – and support them because we can make any 4 walls a home. We are happy for you guys as you venture out to Nashville.
Aww, come on! Adventures are awesome… and having just done the same thing to support my husband – I hope God blesses your marriage in the same way He has ours’. You guys are going to love the change, the different is always exciting, and if you’re truly following a dream… imagine what’s to come! Sorry you have to leave your house behind though… I know it holds many, many memories. Just take lots of pictures and then you can take everything that TRULY matters with you! Love you guys – we’ll be praying for you!
We are really excited to have you in Nashville. I know the Lord has great things in store for you…it will be wonderful finding out what they are one day at a time! Love you guys.
I felt the same emotions you are feeling right now when we moved here. If it hadn’t been for your family and our small group at church, we would not have adjusted as well as we have. My hope is that you find someone who will treat you the way you and Ethan treated us….like you had known us for years. I am very sad to see you leave, but I know God has great things in store for you and your family!
I think it is awesome that you are so supportive!! What a great example. At least Nashville is a good place! It could be worse….
It is evident why the people in your life love you so much. You are a wonderful wife, mother and friend. Good for you… Too bad it couldn’t be in Oregon!
I lived in Nashville for 12 years. We just moved last year for my husband’s internship. My family still lives there and I would be glad to give you information about the area.
We loved living in Nashville and I hope you will too.
I know you will LOVE Nashville!!! Of course, I am a little biased. I know you will be welcomed to Tennessee just like we were welcomed to Texas. Don’t worry..I am already talking to friends and family about you all and they will be ready to welcome you. Remember that God will bless you for honoring and supporting your hubby. You are going to meet new people and in a few years you will be amazed at how connected you will feel to them and your new home. I will miss you and Calloway will miss Alyssa…expect a visit from us the next we are in Nashville. Many blessings to all of you!!